Creation of the Endowment - An Unprecedented Initiative
In late 2004, a group of Windham citizens began to explore the
possibility of providing private donations to enhance our community. A
volunteer Board of Directors, including a Library Trustee and School
Board member, was formed to investigate a community foundation in
Windham. In January 2005, the Windham Endowment for Community
Advancement was registered with the State of New Hampshire and in August
2006, the IRS approved our tax-exempt status as a Section 501(c)(3)
organization.
During the same period, an interested resident generously provided
funding to hire a consulting firm to determine the level of interest in
and availability of funds for the creation of a private foundation. The
resulting study consisted of 116 completed surveys (an impressive 23%
return rate) and 30 personal interviews. The survey results resoundingly
endorsed the establishment of a foundation and showed a compelling case
for support.
The Windham Endowment worked to establish relationships with community
partners so that the Endowment could be a resource for the many
non-profit groups already doing good works in town.
Dedicated funds already exist for the Nesmith Library, WIRE (Windham
Initiative for Alternative Advancement), the Windham Community Bands, the
Windham Historic Commission, and Boy Scout Troop 266.
Other community groups such as the Windham Woman’s Club and the Windham
Actors Guild have been active supporters of the Endowment’s work.
In 2009, the Endowment created the
Community Advancement Award, which is
bestowed annually on a local organization or individual for outstanding service and
dedication to the community of Windham. The first recipient was the Windham Community Bands.
and the Windham Historic Commission
Also in 2009, the Board of Directors launched the Endowment's first
Capital Campaign,
supporting enhancements to the new Windham High School. Completed
successfully at the end of 2010, the Campaign raised over $125,000 for
additional equipment for Fine Arts, Technology, and Science.
The Endowment's work continues. In 2011, the focus will be on environmental issues,
advancing the greenhouse at Windham High School, and building an endowment fund to support scholarships.
Windham Endowment for Community Advancement
P.O. Box 4315, Windham NH 03087
Tel: 603.437.0686
Email: ContactWE@windhamendowment.org